SPRINT Robotics Releases TRL 9 Catalogue Volume 2
SPRINT Robotics TRL 9 Catalogue Volume 2 is now available for download to the SPRINT Robotics community, providing asset owners and operators with an expanded overview of proven robotics technologies and solutions already delivering results in real industrial operations.
In today’s rapidly evolving robotics landscape, innovation alone is no longer enough. Technologies must demonstrate reliability, safety, and measurable performance in operational environments before organizations can confidently deploy them at scale. This is where the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework plays a critical role.
TRL 9 represents the highest level of technological maturity. Solutions classified at TRL 9 are not prototypes or experimental concepts. They are commercially available technologies that have demonstrated successful operation in real-world industrial environments across actual deployments and users.
The SPRINT Robotics TRL 9 Catalogue serves as a practical industry reference, helping organizations identify technologies that have reached this highest level of operational readiness. By leveraging TRL 9 robotics and drone solutions, companies can reduce operational risk, improve safety, minimize downtime, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives with greater confidence.
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Building on the Foundation of Volume 1
The first volume of the catalogue began with the identification of more than 100 companies believed to provide potential TRL 9 solutions. These companies were invited to submit information confirming whether their technologies met the TRL 9 criteria. The responses formed the basis of the original publication.
Volume 2 builds on that foundation with a broader and more structured overview of mature inspection and maintenance technologies. Existing company and technology information from Volume 1 has been reviewed and retained where applicable, while new submissions received since the original release have also been incorporated.
At the time of publication, the catalogue now includes approximately 77 companies representing a wide range of robotic platforms, sensors, tools, and digital solutions.
A New Technology-Based Structure
One of the key updates introduced in this Volume 2 is a revised categorization approach.
While previous edition grouped technologies primarily by application areas such as inspection, cleaning, and fabric maintenance, Volume 2 adopts a technology-type based structure. This updated framework improves clarity, reduces duplication, and better reflects the diversity of robotics and digital solutions currently available across the industry.
1. Crawlers
Crawler technologies include robotic systems designed to move across walls, floors, pipes, tanks, and structural surfaces using magnetic, vacuum, or mechanical adhesion systems. These platforms are commonly used in confined or hard-to-access environments where inspection, cleaning, and maintenance activities can be performed more safely and efficiently.
2. Drones
Drone technologies primarily consist of unmanned aerial systems used to access elevated, hazardous, or difficult-to-reach areas. Equipped with visual, thermal, and other advanced sensing capabilities, drones support inspection and monitoring activities while reducing the need for scaffolding, rope access, or manual entry.
3. Manipulators
Manipulator systems include robotic arms and articulated technologies designed for localized interaction tasks such as handling tools, positioning equipment, or executing precise maintenance and intervention activities. These systems may operate independently or be integrated into mobile robotic platforms.
4. Quadrupeds
Quadruped robots are legged robotic systems designed to navigate uneven terrain, stairs, and complex industrial environments where conventional wheeled mobility may be limited. These platforms are increasingly being used for data collection, inspection, and autonomous monitoring tasks across industrial facilities.
5. Submersibles
Submersible technologies are robotic systems engineered to operate in liquid environments including tanks, basins, and underwater infrastructure. These solutions support inspection, cleaning, and monitoring operations in areas that are inaccessible or unsafe for human entry.
6. Tracked / Wheeled Platforms
Tracked and wheeled robotic platforms provide stable ground mobility for transporting sensors, manipulators, and inspection tools across industrial environments. These systems are commonly deployed in large facilities where autonomous or remote mobility can improve operational efficiency and safety.
7. Telescopic Poles
Telescopic pole technologies are designed to extend inspection and sensing tools into elevated or confined areas while minimizing direct human exposure. These systems help reduce reliance on scaffolding and rope access during inspection activities.
8. Sensors / Tools
This category includes standalone sensing devices, inspection tools, and robotic end effectors that support data acquisition, measurement, and localized intervention tasks. Many of these technologies are platform-agnostic and can be integrated across multiple robotic systems.
9. Software / Platform
Software and digital platform technologies support data collection, processing, visualization, workflow integration, and decision-making for inspection and maintenance operations. These solutions increasingly play a critical role in enabling connected robotics ecosystems and digital asset management strategies.
10. Other
The “Other” category includes hybrid technologies, emerging configurations, and specialized solutions that may not fit neatly into the primary platform categories but remain highly relevant within the industrial robotics ecosystem.
Supporting the Future of Industrial Robotics
The SPRINT Robotics TRL 9 Catalogue continues to serve as a practical industry reference for organizations evaluating mature robotics and digital inspection technologies.
As robotics deployment moves beyond pilot projects toward scaled operational adoption, access to proven technology information becomes increasingly important for asset owners and operators seeking reliable solutions for real-world challenges.
SPRINT Robotics welcomes ongoing feedback and community contributions to further strengthen future editions of the catalogue, particularly insights related to operational experience, performance, and deployment case studies.
Organizations interested in including additional TRL 9 technologies in future editions are encouraged to contact SPRINT Robotics at sprintrobotics@sprintrobotics.org and submit the required information through the official submission form.
Through continued collaboration across the global robotics ecosystem, SPRINT Robotics remains committed to accelerating the safe, practical, and scalable adoption of inspection and maintenance robotics technologies worldwide.
DOWNLOAD TRL 9 CATALOGUE VOLUME 2
